Swivelable quick connector assembly

ABSTRACT

A swivelable quick connect assembly for use with tubular conduits is disclosed as comprising a housing having an axial bore for receiving one end of the conduit, an elastomeric ring-like seal disposed in the bore for providing a fluid-tight seal between confronting portions of the conduit and the housing, an annular bushing disposed in the bore for positioning the seal and for guiding the one end of the conduit into nesting relationship with the bore, and a retainer detachably secured to the housing and cooperable with an annular projection on the conduit for securing the conduit in its operative position within the bore, the retainer having resilient deformable portions which are adapted to snap over the locking wall upon insertion of the conduit into the housing bore. An alternate embodiment of the present invention includes a metal retainer element that is of one pieced construction that includes at least two circumferentially spaced leg members which extend from an integral collar member at one end thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 08/615,847, filed Mar.12, 1996, issued on Jul. 21, 1998 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,508, which is adivisional of U.S. Ser. No. 08/437,272, filed May 8, 1995, nowabandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/009,009,filed Jan. 26, 1993, issued on May 9, 1995, as U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,387,which is a divisional of Ser. No. 07/506,449, filed Apr. 6, 1990, nowabandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 07/360,405, filedJun. 2, 1989, issued on Jun. 26, 1990, as U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,544, whichis a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 07/251,038, filed Sep. 26, 1988, issuedon Apr. 10, 1990, as U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,136 which is a continuation ofU.S. Ser. No. 07/127,532, filed Dec. 2, 1987, now abandoned, which is acontinuation of U.S. Ser. No. 06/748,307, filed Jun. 24, 1985, nowabandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 06/360,201, filedMar. 22, 1982, issued Jul. 22, 1986 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,497, which isa continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 06/201,711, filed Oct. 29, 1980,issued Jan. 3, 1984 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,423,892, all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a connector assembly for providingconnection between fluid carrying conduits. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to a swivelable connector assembly forproviding a quick connection between fluid carrying conduits.

2. Description of the Relevant Art

In the automotive industry, as well as for many other industries, theneed always exists for low-cost, reliable, and easy to assemblycomponents. This need is especially apparent with respect to providing aconnection between fluid carrying conduits, such as a fuel orrefrigerant lines. In older threaded connectors, substantial assemblytime could be accumulated in screwing on a cap to a fitting andtightening the cap down to the proper torque needed to provide for afluid tight seal. Further, an inventory would have to be maintained tokeep track of the number of caps and fittings, and any liners or othercomponents that may be necessary. Also, retightening of the caps may berequired to maintain the seal after the automobile or other system hasbeen put in use.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Accordingly, it is the primary object of the present invention toprovide an improved connector assembly for providing a swivelable quickconnection between fluid conveying conduits.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide apreassembled connector housing and retainer element so that a connectionto a tubular fluid conveying conduit may be made in one step withoutresorting to any tools.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pre-assembledconnector housing and retainer element so that a snapping connection maybe made to a tubular fluid conveying conduit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a connectorassembly that may be employed to join dissimilar electrically conductingmaterials that would be otherwise subject to galvanic corrosion.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a connectorassembly which is adapted to provide for a bleed-down position whendisconnecting a conduit from the housing of the connector assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a pre-assembledconnector conduit unit which requires only a one-step snappingconnection to be joined to a connector housing.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide aremovable, disposable cover for protecting the pre-assembled connectorconduit unit.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a disposablestuffer-plug for the connector assembly which is adapted to install oneor more sealing elements in an axial bore of the connector housing anddetachably secure a retainer element to the connector housing, as wellas to seal the axial bore of the connector housing.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide aconnector assembly which employs a check valve unit disposed in theaxial bore of the housing for selectively blocking fluid flow.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improvedretainer element which operates to both secure the conduit in the axialbore of the housing and position the sealing element within the axialbore of the housing.

It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide animproved retainer element formed with three or more leg members whichoperate to detachably secure the retainer element to the housing, thesealing means within the housing, the conduit in its operative positionwithin the axial bore of the housing, and provide better resistance tooff axis forces on the conduit.

To achieve the foregoing objects, the present invention provides aswivelable connector assembly which generally comprises a tubularconduit, a housing, sealing means, and retainer means. The tubularconduit is adapted to convey fluid and is formed with an annularprojection disposed a predetermined distance from the end of the conduitto be connected. The housing is formed with an axial bore for receivingthe conduit at a first end and for providing a fluid path at a secondend, and includes an inwardly extending annular lip (or suitableapertures) at the first end to detachably secure the retainer means tothe housing. The sealing means is disposed within the axial bore of thehousing for providing a fluid tight seal between confronting portions ofthe conduit and the housing. The retainer means is adapted to bedisposed generally within the axial bore of the housing for cooperatingwith the annular projection of the conduit to secure the conduit in itsoperative position within the axial bore of the housing. The retainermeans includes three or more circumferentially spaced resilientdeformable leg members which extend from an integral collar member atone end thereof. Each of the leg members has an outwardly openingchannel portion which is adapted to receive the inwardly extending lipof the housing to secure the retainer means to the housing, and aninwardly opening channel portion adapted to receive the annularprojection of the conduit for securing the conduit in its operativeposition within the axial bore of the housing. The ring from which thelegs extend may additionally serve to position and retain the sealingmeans.

According to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, aswivelable connector assembly is provided which generally comprises atubular conduit, a housing, sealing means, and retainer means. Thetubular conduit is adapted to convey fluid and is formed with an annularprojection disposed a predetermined distance from the end of the conduitto be connected. The housing is formed with an axial bore for receivingthe conduit at a first end and for providing a fluid path at a secondend, and includes an inwardly extending annular lip (or suitableapertures) at the first end to detachably secure the retainer means tothe housing.

The sealing means is disposed within the axial bore of the housing forproviding a fluid tight seal between confronting portions of the conduitand the housing. The retainer means is adapted to be disposed generallywithin the axial bore of the housing for cooperating with the annularprojection of the conduit to secure the conduit in its operativeposition within the axial bore of the housing. The retainer means is aone piece metal retainer element which includes at least twocircumferentially spaced leg members which extend from an integralcollar member at one end thereof.

Each of the leg members has a deflectable leg portion which extends fromthe collar and ends in an arcuate first bend designed to provide abackstop for securing the retainer element in the connector assembly,and a retaining leg portion which extends from the deflectable legportion and inclines generally toward the aperture in the collar. Theend of the retaining leg portion is formed to engage the conduit suchthat the retaining leg portion will resist the disconnection of theconduit from the connector assembly.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from reading of the detailed description of the preferredembodiments which makes reference to the following set of drawings inwhich:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective assembly view of a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of theconnector assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another view of the connector assembly of FIG. 2, shown in thebleed-down position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a retainerelement according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a third embodiment of a retainerelement according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a fourth embodiment of a retainerelement according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the retainer element of FIG. 6coupled to a housing according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of theretainer element and housing of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of anotherembodiment of the connector assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a retainerelement, and its relationship to a conduit is illustrated;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the connectorassembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the retainer element of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the retainerelement for the connector assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section of anotherembodiment of the connector assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of aconnector assembly according to the present invention in a partiallyinstalled position;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of theconnector assembly illustrated in FIG. 15 with the tubular conduit shownin its operative position in the axial bore of the housing;

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of an improved retainer element;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of theretainer element-illustrated in FIG. 17, taken along lines A--A;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section of thetubular conduit illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of aconnector assembly including a check valve unit and shown with thetubular conduit in its operative position within the axial bore of thehousing;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged side elevation view, partially in cross-section,of the connector assembly illustrated in FIG. 20, particularly showingthe check valve unit when the tubular conduit is not in its operativeposition within the axial bore of the housing;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a stuffer-plug according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section with thehousing shown in phantom, of the stuffer-plug illustrated in FIG. 22supporting the sealing and retainer elements;

FIG. 24 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of apreassembled connector conduit unit according to the present inventionprotected by a removable, disposable cover;

FIG. 25 is a fractional side elevation view, partially in cross-section,of a connector assembly employing a U-cup sealing element;

FIG. 26 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section of an elbowconnector assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view, partially in cross-section, of anapparatus for manufacturing the retainer element illustrated in FIGS. 17and 18;

FIG. 28 is a fractional front elevation view of the manufacturingapparatus illustrated in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of a corebody and ejector forming part of the apparatus of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a retainerelement;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a tool which may be used to assist thedisconnection of the tubular conduit from the connector housing;

FIG. 32 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section of anotherconnector assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the connectorassembly illustrated in FIG. 32, particularly showing the retainerelement in a partially installed position;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of another connectorassembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the connectorassembly illustrated in FIG. 34, particularly showing the connectorhousing;

FIG. 36 is a side elevation view of the connector assembly described inconnection with FIGS. 34 and 35;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view, partially in cross-section, of anotherembodiment of a connector housing particularly featuring an integralretainer means;

FIG. 38 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section, of yetanother alternate embodiment of a connector assembly having a retainerelement according to the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the retainer element of FIG. 38 shownin isolation;

FIG. 40 is an end view of the retainer element of FIG. 38 shown inisolation;

FIG. 41 is a side view of the retainer element of FIG. 38 shown inisolation;

FIG. 42 is an expanded plan view of half of the blank for the retainerelement of FIG. 38;

FIG. 43 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the retainerelement of FIG. 38;

FIG. 44 is a side elevational view in partial cross section of a portionof the retainer element of FIG. 38 in position between the male conduitand the female housing;

FIG. 45 is a partial view of a prior art connector retaining elementshown in relation with a female housing;

FIG. 46 is a Gauss curve demonstrating an ideal force transfer versuscharacteristic undesirable prior art force transfers; and

FIG. 47 is a partial view of an additional prior art connector retainingelement shown in relation with a female housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective assembly view of a connector assembly10 according to the present invention is shown. The connector assemblyis generally comprised of a tubular conduit 12 adapted to convey fluid,a housing 14, and a retainer element 16. Conduit 12 is provided with anoutwardly projecting annular surface 18 displaced from a beveledconnecting end 20 of the conduit. Annular surface 18 is formed with ablocking wall portion 22 disposed transversely or perpendicularly to acentral axis 24 of conduit 12, and a sloping wall portion 26 graduallyincreasing from an outer surface 28 of the conduit Housing 14 may haveany suitable outer surface shape, and in one form of the presentinvention, the housing is provided with an enlarged diameter portion 30,a reduced diameter portion 32, and a third diameter portion 34. Thehousing is adapted to provide for apertures or openings 36a-d, which areequidistantly spaced around the circumference of enlarged portion 30 ofthe housing. Apertures 36 are provided to receive and position retainerelement 16 transversely to axis 24 of the conduit. The retainer elementis made from a resilient material, such as plastic, and is comprised ofa pair of generally parallel elongated legs 38 jointed at one end by across member 40, which provides a separation between the legsapproximately equal to the outside diameter of conduit 12. Each retainerleg 38 includes a sloping lead area 42 formed in the interior side ofthe leg, and a barb 44 projecting from the exterior side of the leg. Inaddition, each retainer leg further includes a first recess 46 and asecond recess 48 formed in the front side of the leg.

Referring to FIG. 2, a side elevation view of connector assembly 10 isshown, partially in cross-section, in a fully assembled position.Housing 14 is shown to be formed with a central bore 50, having anenlarged diameter portion 52, a reduced diameter portion 54, and a thirddiameter portion 56. Housing 14 also includes a bushing 58 and anelastomeric ring 60 disposed in third diameter portion 56 of housingcentral bore 50. Bushing 58 also includes a flange portion 62, whichextends into enlarged diameter portion 52 of central bore 50. A surface64 of flange portion 62 is shaped to provide a slope corresponding tosloping wall portion 26 of conduit 12.

In the preferred embodiment, connector assembly 10 may be connected byfirst coupling retainer element 16 to housing 14, and then insertingconnecting end 20 of conduit 12 into central bore 50 of the housing.Retainer element 16 is coupled to housing 14 by inserting legs 38 intoapertures 36a and 36b and out through apertures 36c and 36d. Barbs 44projects outwardly a distance sufficient to engage the upper edges ofapertures 36c and 36d and prevent the removal of the retainer elementfrom the housing. Apertures 36 ad are shaped sufficiently large topermit both an inward and outward deflection of retainer legs 38. Whenretainer element 16 Is being inserted into housing 14, the retainer legsdeflect inwardly to permit barbs 44 to extend through apertures 36c and36d. When connecting end 20 of conduit 12 is being inserted into bore 50of housing 14, the retainer legs deflect outwardly to permit annularsurface 18 to translate past the retainer legs. Sloping wall portion 26of annular surface 18 cooperates with sloping lead area of retainer legs38 to reduce the force required to translate the annular surface pastthe retainer legs. After conduit 12 is fully inserted into central bore50 of housing 14, as shown in FIG. 2, retainer legs 38 cooperate withblocking wall portion 22 of annular surface 18 to resist thedisconnection or removal of conduit 12 from housing 14.

An important feature of housing 14 is elastomeric ring 60. This ringprovides a fluid tight seal between conduit 12 and housing 14, and yetpermits the conduit to rotate or swivel relative to the housing. Ring 60is positioned transversely to axis 24 of conduit 12 by bushing 58.Flange portion 62 of bushing 58 provides a means for impeding furtherinsertion of conduit 12 within central bore 50 when surface 64 of flangeportion 62 contacts sloping wall portion 26 of annular surface 26 of theconduit.

Referring to FIG. 3, another view of connector assembly 10 is shown.Here, the connector assembly is illustrated in the "bleed-down"position. This feature of the invention may be used to safely disconnectconduit 12 from housing 14 when the fluid pressure is greater thanambient. According, retainer element 16 is partially removed or liftedup to the point where first and second recesses, 46 and 48 respectively,permit the retainer element to be translated toward a first end 66 ofhousing 14, in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 2. Surfaces 68and 70 of the retainer recesses will engage the vertical edges ofapertures 36a-d adjacent to housing end 66, and prevent further axialtranslation of retainer element 16. Conduit 12 may then also betranslated toward housing end 66, past the point where elastomeric ring60 contacts conduit end 20. This will interrupt the fluid tight seal,and permit the pressure of the fluid to rapidly decrease. When this sealis broken, legs 38 of retainer element 16 will prevent the totalejection of the conduit from the housing under the force of the fluidpressure by engaging blocking wall portion 22 of annular surface 18.After the fluid pressure has decreased to the ambient pressure, theconduit may then be translated back toward a second end 72 of thehousing, so that the retainer element may be removed. The conduit maythen be removed from the housing without any obstruction.

Referring to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of a retainer element 74 isshown. Retainer element 74 is similar to retainer element 16, and thereference numerals for the corresponding components are the same. As inthe case of retainer element 16, retainer element 74 is an integralelement, formed in any convention manner from a resilient material, suchas plastic. The difference between these retainers resides in the leadareas formed in the sides of the legs 38. Retainer element 74 is formedwith an annular outwardly extending lead area 76 in each of the legs.Leads ares 76 have approximately the same thickness as the thickness oflegs 38. Leads areas 76 may extend to the back surface of retainerelement 74, or may only partially extend the width of legs 38, as shownin FIG. 4 at reference numeral 78. In contrast, lead areas 42 ofretainer element 16 do not outwardly extend. Rather, lead areas 42 arerecessed in the interior sides of legs 38 for retainer element 16. Thus,the thickness of legs 38 for retainer element 16 is reduced at the frontsurface of the legs, and gradually increases to the normal leg thicknessat the back surface.

Referring to FIG. 5, a third embodiment of a retainer element 80 isshown. Retainer element 80 is also intended for use with housing 14shown in FIG. 1. Retainer element 80 is made from a resilient material,and is comprised of a pair of generally parallel elongated legs 82joined at one end by a cross member 84, which is extended to formannular members 86. These annular members generally conform to andpartially encircle the outside surface of enlarged diameter portion 30of housing 14. Annular members 86 are each formed with a barb 88 and ahandle 90. Legs 82 are each formed with a lead area 92 similar in shapeto lead area 42 for legs 38 of retainer element 16.

Retainer element 80 is coupled to housing 14 by inserting legs 82 intoapertures 36a and 36b. As legs 82 are being inserted, annular members 86deflect outwardly to permit their translation around the outside surfaceof housing 14. When the retainer element is fully inserted, barbs 88will extend inwardly into apertures 36c and 36d to lock the retainerelement in place. Handles 90 are used to assist the removal of retainerelement 80 from housing 14, which is achieved by deflecting annularmember 86 outwardly to disengage barbs 88 from the apertures and liftingthe retainer element out from the housing.

Referring to FIG. 6, a fourth embodiment of a retainer element 94 isshown. Again, retainer element may be used with housing 14, and is madefrom a resilient material. Retainer element 94 is comprised of a pair ofgenerally parallel elongated legs 96 joined at one end by a cross member98. Legs 96 are each formed with an inwardly extending barb 100, and alead area 102 similar in shape to lead area 42 of retainer element 16.Retainer element 94 is coupled to housing 14 by deflecting legs 96outwardly a sufficient distance to permit their insertion into apertures36a and 36b and out through apertures 36c and 36d. When fully inserted,barbs 100 engage the lower lateral edges of apertures 36c and 36d tolock retainer element in place.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, retainer element 94 is shown coupled to ahousing 104, similar in construction to housing 14. FIG. 7 is a frontelevation view and FIG. 8 is a side elevation view partially incross-section. Housing 104 is provided with an enlarged diameter portion106 at a first end 108 for receiving a conduit and for mounting retainerelement 94, and a reduced diameter portion 110 at a second end 112 forproviding a fluid path. Housing 104 is also provided with an thirddiameter portion 114 interposed between enlarged diameter portion 106and reduced diameter portion 110. Housing 104 further includes a bushing116, two elastomeric rings 118 and 120, and an annular sleeve 122 forseparating the rings. This housing illustrates that more than oneelastomeric ring may be employed to provide a fluid tight seal, as maybe required for the particular application of the connector assembly.

Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a connector assembly 124according to the present invention is shown. This embodiment illustratesa housing 126 that may be employed to provide a fluid tight connectionbetween a tubular conduit 128 and a metallic tubular conduit 130. As inthe case of conduit 12 of FIG. 1, conduit 128 includes an outwardlyprojecting annular surface 132, which is formed with a blocking wallportion 134 and a sloping wall portion 136. Conduit 130 is formed withan enlarged diameter portion 138, which provides the third diameterportion of the above described housings 14 and 104. Housing 126 isprovided with a bushing 140, an elastomeric ring 142, and a spacer 144mounted in enlarged diameter portion 138 of conduit 130. Both bushing140 and spacer 144 are made from an electrically non-conductivematerial, such as plastic, and serve an important function when bothconduits 128 and 130 are made from dissimilar metals subject to galvaniccorrosion. Bushing 140 and spacer 144 support conduit 128 within housing126 and preclude an end 146 of conduit 128 from contacting a reduceddiameter portion 148 of conduit 130. Thus, where the fluid beingconveyed is a liquid having the properties of an electrolyte, bushing140 and spacer 144 prevent the completion of a circuit loop which wouldallow a corrosion current to flow. Housing 126, as well as housings 14and 104, may be made from either plastic or metal. Any of the retainerelements 16, 74, 80, or 94 may be coupled with housing 126 in the mannerdescribed above.

Referring to FIG. 10, a fifth embodiment of a retainer element 150 isshown in relation to a conduit 152. Retainer element 150 is comprised oftwo wedge shaped members 154 and 156, which combine to form a jam fitagainst the blocking wall portion (not shown) of an annular surface 158of conduit 152. Wedge member 156 is comprised of a pair of generallyparallel elongated legs 160 joined at one end by a cross member 162.Similarly, wedge member 14 is comprised of a pair of generally parallelelongated legs 164 joined at one end by a cross member 166. Wedge member156 further includes an outwardly extending barb 168 formed at the endof each of legs 160. Similarly wedge member 154 includes an outwardlyextending barb 170 formed in the side of each of legs 164. The sides ofthe legs 160 and 164 where wedge members 156 and 154 are joined arereciprocably slanted and formed with serrations, as indicated generallyat reference number 172. Retainer element 150 may be coupled to ahousing, such as housing 14 of FIG. 1 to force annular surface 158 ofconduit 152 securely against a bushing, such as bushing 58 of FIG. 2.Retainer element 150 may be coupled to housing 14 by inserting legs 164of wedge member 154 into apertures 36a and 36b, and inserting legs 160of wedge member 156 into apertures 36c and 36d in a similar manner tothat described above for retainer element 16. As the wedge members arebeing inserted, the serrated edges of legs 160 and 164 engage and exerta further insertion force on conduit 152 via annular surface 158. Afterthe wedge members are fully inserted, the serrated edges of legs 160 and164 fixedly hold the wedge members in their relative positions. It ofcourse should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that conduit 152may be inserted into housing 14 before the wedge members are coupled tothe housing.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of a connector assembly174 according to the present invention is shown. FIG. 12 illustrates aperspective view of a retainer element 176, and FIG. 11 illustrates aside elevation view, partially in cross-section, of the fully assembledconnector assembly. Connector assembly 174 is comprised of a tubularconduit 178, a housing 180, and retainer element 176. Housing 180 may bemade from any suitable material, such as plastic or metal, and may haveany appropriate outer shape, such as a cylinder or hex construction.Housing 180 is formed with a central bore 182, which provides anenlarged diameter portion 184, a reduced diameter portion 186, and athird diameter portion 188. Housing 180 further includes an inwardlyextending flange 190, forming a fourth diameter portion, for mountingretainer element 176 to the housing. Flange 190 may have a slant shapeas shown in FIG. 11 or may have a flat surface. Housing 180 is alsoprovided with a bushing 192, two elastomeric rings 194 and 196, a sleeve198, and a spacer 200 generally mounted in third diameter portion 188.Retainer element 176 is made from a resilient material, and is comprisedof a pair of opposing annular leg members 202 and 204 centrally joinedby a recessed ring 206, which positions the retainer element at flange190 of housing 180. Annular leg 202 is formed with a radially extendingtab end 208 on one side of recessed ring 206 and a radially convergingjaw end 210 on the other side of the recessed ring. Similarly, annularleg 204 is formed with a radially extending tab 212 on one side ofrecessed ring 206 and a radially converging jaw 214 on the other side.As illustrated in FIG. 11, the distance between annular leg members 202and 204 at the converging ends corresponds approximately to the outsidediameter of conduit 178. Retainer element 176 is coupled to housing 180by insertion into central bore 182 until flange 190 engages or straddlesrecessed ring 206. Conduit 178 is then inserted into central bore 182with an insertion force sufficient to deflect or displace converging jawends 210 and 214 outwardly to permit an annular surface 216 of theconduit to be translated past retainer element 176. After conduit 178 isfully inserted into housing 180, converging jaw ends 210 and 214 ofretainer element 176 cooperate with a blocking wall portion 218 ofannular surface 216 to resist the disconnection or removal of conduit178 from the housing. Conduit 178 may be removed from housing 180 bycompressing extending tab ends 208 and 212 together sufficiently toextend or displace converging jaw ends 210 and 214 apart, so that theconduit may be extracted from the housing without having to removeretainer element 176.

Referring to FIG. 13, another embodiment of a retainer element 220 forthe connector assembly of FIG. 11 is shown. Retainer element 220 is madefrom a resilient material, and is comprised of a ring 222 for mountingthe retainer element on flange 190 of housing 180, a pair of opposingjaws 224 and 226 projecting from one side of the ring, and a pair oftabs 228 and 230 projecting from the other side of the ring andpositioned on opposite sides of the jaws. Ring 222 is formed with anouter diameter approximately corresponding to the bore diameter providedby flange 190 of housing 180. Jaws 224 and 226 extend beyond the outerdiameter of ring 222 at an end 232 and converge at another end 234 toprovide a separation approximately corresponding to the outer diameterof conduit 178. When retainer element 220 is coupled to housing 180,flange 190 is interposed between tabs 228 and 230, and extending end ofjaws 224 and 226. Retainer element 220 operates to maintain conduit 178in housing 180 in a similar manner to that described above for retainerelement 176. However, retainer element 220 is of a simplified design inthat the retainer element is not provided with an integral means toassist the removal of conduit 178 from housing 180.

Referring to FIG. 14, another embodiment of a connector assembly 236according to the present invention is shown. Connector assembly 236represents a union-type connector, and is essentially a duplicate of thestructure described above for the previous embodiments. Generally,connector assembly 236 is comprised of two conduits 238 and 240, ahousing 242, and a pair of retainer elements 244 and 246. Housing 242includes a pair of bushings 248 and 250, a set of four elastomeric rings252-258, a pair of sleeves 260 and 263, and a central spacer 264.

Referring to FIG. 15, a side elevation view of a connector assembly 266is shown, partially in cross-section, in a partially installed position.The connector assembly 266 includes a tubular conduit 268, a housing270, and a retainer element 272. The conduit 268 is formed with anannular projection 274 disposed a predetermined lead distance from anend 276 of the conduit to be connected. It should be noted that theannular projection 274 is symmetrical in shape, in that the opposingsurfaces 278 and 280 of the projection are generally transverse to acentral axis 282 of the conduit 268 and generally parallel each other.

The retainer element 272 is adapted to be disposed generally within anaxial bore 284 of the housing 270 and is detachably secured to thehousing at a first end 286 of the housing. The retainer serves to securethe conduit 268 in its operative position within the axial bore 284 ofthe housing 270 by cooperating with the annular projection 274 of theconduit. The retainer element 272 includes three circumferentiallyspaced resilient, deformable leg members, of which only two leg members288 and 290 are shown in FIG. 15. These leg members extend from anintegral collar member 292 at one end of the retainer element 272. Thecollar member 292 is adapted to provide an opening sufficient to permitthe end 276 of the conduit to pass therethrough. Each of the leg membersis formed with an inwardly opening channel portion 294 which is adaptedto receive the annular projection 274 of the conduit 268 for securingthe conduit in its operative position within the axial bore 284 of thehousing 270. The shape of the inwardly opening channel portion 294 ofthe leg members is generally complimentary to the shape of the annularprojection 274 of the conduit. Although various suitable shapes may beprovided for the inwardly opening channel portion 294 and the annularprojection 274, the shapes should be such as to lock the conduit intothe axial bore 284 of the housing and prevent or limit axial movement ofthe conduit relative to the housing. Each of the leg members are alsoformed with an outwardly opening channel portion 298 which is adapted toreceive an inwardly extending annular lip 296 of the housing to securethe retainer element 272 to the housing. The shape of the outwardlyopening channel portion 298 of the leg members and the annular lip 296of the housing are subject to the same considerations noted above forthe inwardly opening channel portion 294 of the leg members and theannular projection 274 of the conduit 268. However, it may also be notedthat rather than forming the annular lip 296 of the housing 270 bycasting or milling, the annular lip may also be formed by rolling in thefirst end 286 of the housing.

The leg members (288, 290) of the retainer element 272 are adapted todeform in response to the insertion of the retainer element into theaxial bore 284 of the housing 270 and permit the annular lip 296 of thehousing to snap into the outwardly opening channel portion of each ofthe leg members. Similarly, the leg members of the retainer element 272are adapted to deform in response to the insertion of the conduit 268into the axial bore 284 of the housing 270 and through the collar member292 of the retainer element 272, and permit the annular projection 274of the conduit to snap into the inwardly opening channel portion 294 ofthe leg members. However, one feature of the connector assembly 266 isthat the annular projection 274 of the conduit is adapted to snap intothe inwardly opening channel portion 294 of the leg members (288, 290)before the annular lip 296 of the housing 270 snaps into the outwardlyopening channel portion 298 of the leg members. This feature will permitthe annular projection 274 of the conduit to easily snap into theinwardly opening channel portion 294 of the leg members. This feature isachieved by providing for two sets of tabs which cooperate to maintainthe retainer element 272 in the partially installed position shown inFIG. 15 until the annular projection 274 of the conduit 268 has snappedinto the inwardly opening channel portion 294 of the retainer elementleg member members. The first set of tabs 300 extend outwardly along aninclined portion 302 of the retainer element leg members, and operate toprevent the retainer element 272 from falling out of the axial bore 284of the housing 270. One or more first tabs 300 may be provided on eachof the retainer element leg members as may be appropriate in theparticular application. The second set of tabs 304 are formed to extendgenerally outwardly from a bushing 306 disposed within the axial bore284 of the housing 270. The second tabs 304 are shaped such that theywill resist the further insertion of the retainer element 272 into theaxial bore 284 from the partially installed position until the annularprojection 274 snaps into the inwardly opening channel portion 294 ofthe retainer element. However, once the conduit 268 is thus joined orunited to the retainer element 272, the second tabs 304 will yield anddeflect inwardly to permit the further insertion of the conduit 268 andthe retainer element 272 into the axial bore 284 of the housing 270until the annular lip 296 of the housing snaps into the outwardlyopening channel portion 298 of each of the retainer element leg membersand the conduit is in its operative position within the axial bore ofthe housing. FIG. 16 illustrates the connector assembly 266 with theconduit 268 shown in its operative position within the axial bore 284 ofthe housing 270.

The connector assembly 266 also includes two elastomeric rings 308 and310 disposed within the axial bore 284 of the housing 270 for providinga fluid tight seal between confronting portions of the conduit 268 andthe housing. The elastomeric rings are also separated by a suitablesleeve 312. It should be noted that once the conduit 268 is connected tothe housing 270 via the retainer element 272, the conduit may besubsequently released and withdrawn from the axial bore 284 of thehousing as follows. By manually deflecting each of the retainer elementleg members at a finger portion 314 (extending out of the bore 284 ofthe housing) inwardly toward the central axis 282 sufficiently todisengage the annular lip 296 of the housing from the outwardly openingchannel portion 298 of the leg members, the conduit 268 and the retainerelement 272 will be permitted to slide out of the axial bore of thehousing. It should be appreciated that the dimensions of the retainerelement 272 and the housing 270 relative to the outer diameter of theconduit 268 should be such as to provide sufficient radial clearancebetween the retainer element and the conduit to permit the deflection ofthe retainer element leg members necessary for the outwardly openingchannel portion 298 to clear the annular lip 296 of the housing.Accordingly, it will be seen that the connector assembly 266 is adaptedto readily permit subsequent disconnection of the conduit from thehousing. One advantage of this feature of the present invention is thatseals may be conveniently replaced without having to replace any of theother components of the connector assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, a front and a side elevation view of aretainer element 316 is shown. Retainer element 316 is similar to theretainer element 272, in that it generally comprises threecircumferentially spaced resilient, deformable leg members 318, 320 and322, extending from an integral collar member 324 at one end thereof.However, as best illustrated in FIG. 18, the retainer element 316includes an annular flange 326 extending outwardly from the collarmember 324 for positioning the sealing element(s) within the axial boreof the connector housing. Since the flange 326 serves a principalfunction normally provided by a bushing, it should be appreciated thatthe need for the bushing may be eliminated in the appropriateapplication.

As may best be illustrated in FIG. 17, in one form of the presentinvention the leg members 318-320 are equally spaced circumferentially,and the opposing axially extending edges of any two of the leg membersfrom a substantially straight line. For example, edge 328 of leg member322 and edge 330 of leg member 320 form a horizontally-extendingstraight line. Thus it may also be noted that any two of the leg membersspan a maximum of one hundred and eight degrees (180°) (including thecircumferential space between the leg members). It may also be notedthat the provision of three leg members provides certain advantages inrelation to a retainer element with either two or four leg members. Forexample, in order to disconnect a conduit from a housing, the fingerportions of a three leg retainer element will be easier to grasp than afour leg retainer element. Additionally, a three leg retainer elementwill provide greater circumferential engagement than a two leg retainerelement. Furthermore, with a two leg retainer element, a larger diameterconnector housing will be required relative to a three leg retainerelement in order to permit the leg members to expand around the annularprojection of the conduit.

With respect to the materials from which retainer elements 272 and 316may be constructed, flexible thermoplastic or metal spring stock whichwill withstand the temperature and chemical environment expected to beencountered in the application is preferred. For example, typical nylonswhich are considered to be useful are types 6, 6-6, 6-10, 6-12, 11 and12. It may also be appropriate to add glass reinforcement up to 30% forincreased strength in the particular application.

Referring to FIG. 19, a side elevation view of the tubular conduit 268of FIG. 15 is shown, partially in cross-section. In particular, theconduit 268 is shown in relation to a set of forming dies 332, 334 and336, which are used to form or coin the annular projection 274 of theconduit. Briefly, forming dies 332 and 334 clamp the conduit on one sideof the projection to be formed, and the forming die 336 slides over orclamps the other side of the conduit. Then, as the forming die 336 isdrawn into engagement with the forming dies 332 and 334, the conduitwill buckle outwardly and conform itself to the shape of the recesses338 and 340 provided in the forming dies 332 and 334 respectively. Itshould be noted that this type of annular projection provides certainmanufacturing advantages over previous projections having a sloping ortapered lead-in portion, including the use of higher forming forces andeasier tolerances to maintain.

Referring to FIG. 20, a side elevation view of a connector assembly 342is shown partially in cross-section. The connector assembly 342 featuresa check valve unit 344, which is disposed in an axial bore 346 of ahousing 348. The check valve unit 344 operates to block the flow offluid from a second end 350 of the housing 348 to a first end 352 of thehousing when the conduit 354 is not in its operative position within theaxial bore 346 of the housing. It should be noted that FIG. 20illustrates the connector assembly with the conduit 354 in its operativeposition, while FIG. 21 illustrates an enlarged portion of the connectorassembly where the conduit is not in its operative position. When theconduit 354 is in its operative position, the check valve unit 344 alsooperates to permit the flow of fluid between the first end 352 and thesecond end 350 of the housing 348. Before proceeding to describe thecheck valve unit 344, it may be worthy to note that it may be used witha variety of retainer elements, and the particular retainer elementillustrated in FIG. 20 (similar to that of FIG. 13) is intended forexemplification only.

The check valve unit 344 generally comprises a valve body 356, anelastomeric ring 358, and a helical compression spring 360. The valvebody 356 is formed with a plurality of generally axially extending,circumferentially spaced passageways or notches 362 for selectivelypermitting fluid to flow to or from the conduit 354 The elastomeric ring358 is seated in an annular groove 364 of the valve body 356 such thatwhen the conduit 354 is not in its operative position within the axialbore 346 of the housing 348, the elastomeric ring is in sealingengagement with a neck portion 366 of the housing. Accordingly, theelastomeric ring 358 is associated with the valve body 356 such that itis operative to block the flow of fluid from the second end 350 of thehousing 348 through the passageways 362 in the valve body when theconduit 354 is not in its operative position within the axial bore 346of the housing. The helical compression spring 360 is adapted to haveone end seated in a circular groove 368 of the valve body and the otherend in engagement with the housing 348 (generally at the second end 350thereof). The spring 300 operates to resiliently urge the valve body 356into a nesting relationship with the housing 348 (as shown in FIG. 21)when the conduit 354 is not in its operative position, thereby causingthe elastomeric ring to block fluid flow. However, the spring 360 alsooperates to permit the valve body 356 to be displaced axially from thenesting relationship by yieldably resisting the insertion of the conduitinto the axial bore 346 of the housing, thereby permitting fluid flowthrough the passageways 362 in the valve body when the conduit is in itsoperative position within the axial bore of the housing. It should benoted that the provision of the check valve unit 344 in connectorassembly 342 will permit an area 370 in a device 372 to be charged witha fluid before the device is shipped in an application where the conduit354 is to be connected after shipment of the device.

Referring to FIG. 22, a perspective view of a stuffer-plug 374 accordingto the present invention is shown. The stuffer-plug 374 is intended tobe disposable and is preferably made from a plastic material. Thestuffer-plug 374 servers three principal functions, which may best beillustrated with reference to FIG. 23. Briefly, the stuffer-plug 374 isused to install one or more sealing elements in the axial bore of ahousing and detachably secure a retainer element to the housing. Thestuffer-plug 374 also serves to seal the axial bore of the housing.

FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of the stuffer-plug 374, partially incross-section, shown to be disposed in a housing 376 (in phantom lines).The stuffer-plug 374 is comprised of a body which is formed with arod-shaped portion 378 and a facing portion 380 extending generally fromone end of the rod-shaped portion. The rod-shaped portion is adapted tosupport sealing elements 382 and 384, and a retainer element 386 in agenerally coaxial assembly relationship thereon. The rod-shaped portion378 may also be used to support a sleeve 388 and a bushing 390 in theappropriate application. The rod-shaped portion 378 is also adapted tobe inserted into an axial bore 392 of the housing 376 and preferably hasan outer diameter generally corresponding to that of the conduit to beconnected to the housing. The rod-shaped portion may be either a solidrod or tubular in construction, provided that the tube is closed at somepoint in order to seal the axial bore 392.

The facing portion 380 of the stuffer-plug body is adapted to cover orsubstantially cover the axial bore 392 of the housing 376 at a first end394 thereof. In one form of the present invention, the facing portion380 is a circular plate extending generally transversely from therod-shaped portion 378, and the facing portion is formed with agenerally axially extending tab 396 for facilitating the removal of thestuffer-plug 374 from the axial bore 392 of the housing 372. Therod-shaped portion 378 is also formed with two annular grooves 398 and400 which seat the elastomeric ring sealing elements 382 and 384respectively. The annular grooves 398 and 400 provide positioning meansfor maintaining the sealing elements 382 and 384 and the retainerelement 382 in the assembly relationship on the stuffer-plug body untilthe stuffer-plug body is removed from the axial bore 392 of the housing376. The annular grooves 398 and 400 operate to prevent the sealing andretainer elements from slipping off the stuffer-plug body before therod-shaped portion 378 is inserted into the axial bore 392 of thehousing, and yet also permits the sealing and retainer elements to slideoff the rod-shaped portion when the stuffer-plug body is removed fromthe housing. It should be noted that it may only be necessary to providefor one annular groove in the rod-shaped portion 378, or provide for oneor more annular projections instead of the annular grooves in theappropriate application. The rod-shaped portion 378 may also include anannular projection 402 formed with an inclined surface 404 forcooperating with the retainer element 386 to prevent the retainerelement from slipping off the stuffer-plug body before the rod-shapedportion is inserted into the axial bore of the housing. The inclinedsurface 404 operates to facilitate the removal of the stuffer-plug bodyfrom the axial bore 392 of the housing 376 by causing a gradual outwarddeflection of the retainer element leg members as the stuffer-plug bodyis pulled out of the axial bore until the inwardly opening channelportion 406 of the retainer element leg members clears the annularprojection 402.

The sealing elements 382-384 and the retainer element 386 are preferablydisposed on the rod-shaped portion 378 in the assembly relationship suchthat one end of the retainer element is positioned adjacent to thefacing portion 380 and the sealing elements 382-384 are positionedadjacent to the opposite end of the retainer element. Accordingly, thefacing portion 380 will provide a blocking surface 408 upon which theretainer element 386 is adapted to bear against when the stuffer-plugbody is inserted into the axial bore 392 of the housing. Thus, when therod-shaped portion 378 is inserted into the axial bore 392 of thehousing 376, the sealing elements 382-384 and the retainer element 386will be carried with the rod-shaped portion until the retainer elementis detachably secured to the housing. It should be appreciated that oncethe rod-shaped portion 378 is in its operative position within the axialbore 392 of the housing (as shown in FIG. 23), the sealing elements382-384 will operate to provide a fluid tight seal between confrontingportions of the rod-shaped portion and the housing. In this position,the housing 376 or the device to which the housing is mounted isprepared for shipment and subsequent connection to a conduit.Additionally, in order to connect the conduit to the housing 376, theoperator simply withdraws the stuffer-plug 374 from the housing andinserts the conduit in its place. Until that time, the stuffer-plug 374will seal the axial bore 392 of the housing 376 from dirt or otherenvironmental contamination.

It should be noted that with the sealing elements 382-384 and theretainer element 386 disposed on the rod-shaped portion of thestuffer-plug body in an assembled relationship, this combination ofcomponents forms a preassembled stuffer-plug unit for insertion into theaxial bore of a housing. It may also be pointed out with reference toFIG. 23 that the housing 376 is not provided with eternal threads at thesecond end 410 thereof. This is to illustrate that the housing 376 mayform part of an integral cast body, such as an engine block for example.

Referring to FIG. 24, a side elevation view of a preassembled connectorconduit unit 412 is shown, partially in cross-section. The connectorconduit unit 412 generally comprises a tubular conduit 414, a retainerelement 416 and one or more sealing elements 418 and 420. The retainerelement 416 is disposed on the conduit 414 in association with anannular projection 422 of the conduit such that the retainer element isfixed or substantially fixed from axial movement in relation to theconduit. The sealing elements 418-420 are disposed on the conduit 414between an end 424 of the conduit to be connected and the retainerelement 416. A sleeve 426 and a bushing 428 may also be disposed on theconduit (as illustrated) in the appropriate application. The connectorconduit unit 412 is also shown to include a removable, disposable cover430 adapted to encompass at least the end 424 of the conduit to beconnected. In one form of the present invention, the cover 430 isconstructed from an elastomeric material and is adapted to encompass thesealing elements 418-420 and a portion of the retainer element 416. Thecover 430 serves to protect the end 424 of the conduit to be connectedand the sealing elements 418-420 from dirt or other environmentalcontamination before the connector conduit unit 412 is inserted in theaxial bore of a housing. The cover 430 should be resilient and flexible,and have an aperture 432 formed therein for permitting the cover body topass over the end 424 of the conduit to be connected and the sealingelements 418-420. The cover 430 may be subsequently removed and disposedof when the conduit 414 is to be inserted into an axial bore of ahousing. When the conduit 414 is inserted into an axial bore of ahousing to unit the conduit to the housing, it should be noted that thisone-step action will concomitantly install the sealing elements 418-420in the axial bore of the housing and detachably secure the retainerelement 416 to the housing.

Referring to FIG. 25, a fractional side elevation view of a connectorassembly 434, partially in cross-section, is shown. Connector assembly434 features a resilient, flexible U-cup sealing element 436 disposedwithin an axial bore 438 of the connector housing 440. Accordingly, FIG.25 serves to Illustrate that various types of conventional sealingelements may be employed, including X-section and box-section sealingelements.

Referring to FIG. 26, a side elevation view of an elbow connectorassembly 442 is shown, partially in cross-section. FIG. 26 serves toillustrate that a bend (approximately 90 degrees) in a tubular conduit444 will permit a connector assembly as previously described to form anelbow connector assembly and eliminate the need for a separate elbowconnector. FIG. 26 also serves to illustrate that without the conduit444, the remaining components of the connector assembly 442 provide apre-assembled connector conduit unit. In other words, with the sealingelements 446-448, the sleeve 450 and the bushing 451 disposed in theaxial bore 452 of the connector housing 454, and the retainer element456 detachably secured to the housing, then the conduit 444 may beunited to the housing in a one-step snapping connection. FIG. 26 furtherserves to illustrate that the axial bore 452 of the housing 454 may besloped in the appropriate application.

Referring to FIG. 27, a perspective view of an apparatus 458 formanufacturing the retainer elements of the type illustrated in FIGS.15-18, 23-24 and 26 is shown. The apparatus 458 has been simplified forillustrative purposes, and includes a frame structure 460 and a pair ofvertically movable opposing dies 462 and 464. The apparatus is aninjection molding machine for manufacturing a plurality of plasticretainer elements simultaneously. FIG. 28 is a fractional frontelevation view, partially in cross-section, of a portion 466 of theapparatus 458. FIG. 28 particularly illustrates the relationship of thedies 462-464 to the leg members 467, 468 and 470 of one of the retainerelements being molded. It is important to note that the edge 472 of legmember 468 and the edge 474 of leg member 470 are formed along thejunction of dies 462 and 464. This feature or particular design of theretainer element permits-the use of a two-die injection moldingapparatus instead of a three-die injection molding apparatus, andconsequently allows several retainer elements to be molded at the sametime in one apparatus. It should be noted that the shape or angle of theother edges of the retainer element leg members and the separationbetween the leg members is a matter of design choice, so long as two ofthe leg members may be formed within a single die and the leg memberswill not be locked into the dies after they are formed.

As may be best illustrated with reference to FIG. 29, the retainerelement 476 is molded around a core body 478 which is inserted into asuitable cavity between the dies 462 and 464. The core body 478 has ashape which conforms to the desired interior shape and dimensions of theretainer element 476, while the cavities of the dies 462 and 464 have ashape which corresponds to the desired exterior shape and dimensions ofthe retainer element. After the plastic has been injected andsufficiently hardened, the dies 462 and 464 open and an ejector member480 of the apparatus is translated axially in the direction of thearrows to urge the outward deflection of the leg members 467-470, suchthat the retainer element 476 may be readily removed from the apparatus458.

Referring to FIG. 30, a perspective view of another retainer element 482is shown. In the embodiment illustrated, retainer element 482 ispreferably manufactured from a metal material. The retainer element 482features a split ring body 484, having an opening or slot 486 forfacilitating the removal of the retainer element after it has beenattached to a housing. The retainer element 482 also features a pair ofspring tabs 488 and 490 extending from one end of the opposing jawmembers 492 and 494 respectively.

Referring to FIG. 31, a perspective view of a tool 496 is shown whichmay be used to assist the disconnection of a tubular conduit from aconnector housing. The tool 496 comprises a body having a trough-shapedportion 498 and a generally circular-shaped gripping portion 500. Thetrough-shaped portion 498 is adapted to wrap around or overlie aconduit, and it preferably has a thickness corresponding to the radialheight of the annular projection for the conduit. The gripping portion500 includes a suitable aperture 502 to permit the trough-shaped portion498 to come into generally continuous engagement with the conduit alongits length. It should be noted that the shape of the gripping portion500 need not be circular, but may be varied provided a sufficientsurface is available upon which the necessary axial force may be broughtto bear on the trough-shaped section in order to urge the outwarddeflection of the retainer element leg members or jaws to the pointwhere the conduit may be readily withdrawn from the axial bore of thehousing. It should also be appreciated that the cross-sectional span ofthe trough-shaped portion 498 should be sufficiently circular to engageall of the retainer element leg members or jaws, and yet also permit thetrough-shaped portion to be fitted over the conduit. It may also benoted that other tools may be developed for releasing the conduit and/orthe retainer element from the housing, such as triangular-acting plierswhich engage the retainer element leg members at the finger portions andcause them to be deflected inwardly sufficiently to detach the retainerelement from the housing.

Referring to FIG. 32, a side elevation view of another connectorassembly 504 is shown, partially in cross-section. The connectorassembly 504 features a retainer element 506 which is similar to theretainer element 316 of FIGS. 17 and 18. In FIG. 32, the retainerelement 506 is shown in its operative position generally within theaxial bore 508 of the connector housing 510. However, retainer element506 is also adapted to be disposed in a partially installed position, asillustrated in FIG. 33. In the partially installed position, theretainer element 506 will engage the annular lip 512 of the housingbetween the inwardly opening channel portion 514 and the outwardlyopening channel portion 516 of the retainer element. Accordingly, itshould be appreciated that this engagement will operate to maintain theretainer element 506 in this position until the conduit 518 is to beinserted into the axial bore 508 of the housing 510. It should be notedthat as the conduit is inserted into the axial bore 508 of the housing510, the annular projection 520 passes freely into the inwardly openingchannel portion 514, and the operator should be able to visually observethat the annular projection 520 of the conduit has been received intothe inwardly opening channel portions 514 of the retainer element legmembers. Upon the further insertion of the conduit 518 into the axialbore 508 of the housing 510, the retainer element 506 will be carriedwith the conduit until the annular lip 512 of the housing snaps into theoutwardly opening channel portions of the retainer element leg members.Although each of the leg members of the retainer element 506 is providedwith a finger portion 522 extending out of the axial bore 508, thisfeature of the retainer element may be deleted such that once theconduit 518 is in its operative position within the axial bore theretainer element will be flush with the first end 524 of the housing andthe retainer element will not be visible from the side of the connectorassembly. Accordingly, this modification of the retainer element 506will provide the operator with a visible indication that the conduit isin its operative position and the assembly is complete.

The connector assembly 504 is also provided with a filter or screen 525which serves to filter particulate matter from the fluid flowing throughthe bore of the connector assembly. The filter 525 is disposed in areduced diameter portion 526 of the bore 508, and is adapted to beinterposed between the end of the conduit 518 to be connected andshoulder 527 of the housing 510. The filter 525 may be made from anysuitable material, such as metal wire or plastic mesh. It should beunderstood that the provision of the filter 525 is not limited to theconnector assembly 504, and the filter may be employed in other suitableconnector housings.

FIGS. 34, 35 and 36 illustrate a connector assembly 528 according to thepresent invention. The connector assembly 528 is adapted to convey fluidand is comprised of a tubular connector housing 530 and a plug tubularconduit 532 having a forward end portion that is matable with theconnector housing. The tubular conduit 532 is as described above andincludes an outwardly projecting annular shoulder 534 and a forward end536 in fluid communication with fluid passed through the connectorhousing.

The connector housing 530 includes a tubular adapter sleeve 538 havingan interior bore 540 extending between forward and rearward axial ends542 and 544, a retaining element 546 adjacent to the forward axial end542, a stepped tubular conduit 548 adjacent to the rearward axial end544, and a bushing 550 and elastomeric seal 552 disposed in the tubularconduit 548. The adapter sleeve 538 is provided with rectangularopenings (or apertures) 554 at a location adjacent to the forward axialend 542 and a pair of radial flanges 556 and 558, the flanges beingaxially spaced and forming a retention cavity. In the embodiment shown,each radial flange 556 and 558 extends radially inwardly with the flange556 being disposed interiorly of the bore 540 to divide the bore intofirst and second sections and the flange 558 being disposed adjacent tothe rearward axial end 544. The retaining element 546 has outwardlyextending portions 560 received in the respective openings 554 by whichthe retaining element is detachably secured to the adapter sleeve 538and inwardly extending legs 562 which seat against the annular shoulder534 to retain the tubular conduit 532 in the connector housing.

The stepped tubular conduit 548 includes an enlarged diameter section564 having at its forward mating end a radial flange 566 that extendsradially outwardly, a reduced diameter section 568 and a transitionshoulder 570 forming a step between the two conduit sections 564 and568. The enlarged diameter section 564 is adapted to be located in theannular retention cavity formed between the radial flanges 556 and 558and forms a socket for receiving the forward end portion 536 of the plugtubular conduit 532. It should be noted that the stepped tubular conduit548 may be a sleeve which is conventionally connector to a tubularconduit. Further, the adapter sleeve 538 and the stepped tubular conduit548 may be made from metal or plastic, and the rearward axial end 544 ofthe adapter sleeve 538 may be configured to be either snap fit orthreaded over the enlarged diameter section 564 of the stepped tubularconduit 548. The outwardly extending radial flange 566 and thetransition shoulder 570 of the stepped tubular conduit 548 cooperatewith the inwardly extending radial flanges 556 and 558 of the adaptersleeve 548 to locate and retain the enlarged diameter section 564 in theretention cavity. As described hereinabove the bushing 550 and theelastomeric sealing member 552 are disposed in the enlarged diametersection 564 whereby the form a fluid tight seal between the inner wallof the expanded diameter section 564 and the outer periphery of the plugtubular conduit 532.

Referring to FIG. 37, a perspective view of a connector housing 576 withan integral locking means is shown, partially in cross-section. Theretaining means is provided by a pair of opposing, inwardly convergingjaw members 578 and 580. The law members 578 and 580 may be formedconcomitantly with the connector housing 576 in the same molding processor they may be fixedly secured or otherwise attached to the connectorhousing 576 such as by a suitable adhesive. The converging ends 582 and584 of the jaw members 578 and 580, respectively, are shaped to conformto the outer diameter of the conduit to be connected to the connectorhousing 576. In one form of the invention, the diverging ends 586 and588 of the jaw members 578 and 580, respectively, extend radially beyondthe outer diameter of the housing 576. However, it should be understoodthat the shape and number of the leg members may be varied in theappropriate application. It should also be noted that the housing 576 isalso formed with at least one, generally axially extending recess 590for facilitating flexing of the housing and jaw members.

FIGS. 38 through 47 relate to a swivelable quick connect assembly foruse with tubular conduits according to a further embodiment of thepresent invention. In general, the quick connect assembly disclosed inthese figures comprises a housing having an axial bore for receiving oneend of the conduit, an elastomeric ring-like seal disposed in the borefor providing a fluid tight seal between confronting portions of theconduit and the housing, an annular bushing is disposed in the bore forpositioning the seal and for guiding the one end of the conduit intonesting relationship with the bore, and a retainer detachably secured tothe housing and cooperable with an annular projection on the conduit forsecuring the conduit in its operative position within the bore.

With respect to the figures, and particularly referring to FIG. 38, aside elevation view, partially in cross section of the alternateembodiment of a connector assembly of the present invention is shown andis generally illustrated as 610. The connector assembly 610 includes amale conduit 612 and a female housing 614. The male conduit 612 includesan end 616 having a finished surface as appropriate to form afluid-tight seal with fluid seals as discussed below. Adjacent the end616 is a conduit flange 618 that operates to secure the conduit 612within the female housing 614.

A tubular flanged collar 620 having a first side 621 and a second side622 is fitted to the conduit 612. Adjacent the collar 620 is a firstseal 623, an annular bushing 624, and a second seal 626. The first andsecond seals 623 and 626 respectively are preferably O-ring type sealscomposed of an elastomeric, fluid-seal providing material. The annularbushing 624 functions to both position of the seals 623 and 626 and toguide the end 616 into nesting relationship within the female member614. Those skilled in the art will understand that arrangement of theseals and the bushing as set forth is not intended to be limiting butmay well be modified to meet the particular needs of each connector.

The female housing 614 includes a throughbore 628 into which the maleconduit 612 is selectively fitted. The throughbore 628 is subdividedinto distinct regions including a first bore 630 which receives the mostdistal portion of the end 616 of the conduit 612, a second bore 632 intowhich the seals 623 and 626 and the bushing 624 as well as a portion ofthe collar 620 are fitted, a third bore 634, and a fourth bore 636.Adjacent the second bore 632 is a chamfered lead-in portion 637. Thelead-in portion 637 is formed to provide an area that is graduallyreduced in diameter toward the second bore 632. As such, the overalldiameters of the seals 623 and 626 are reduced by the lead-in portion637 upon insertion of the conduit 612 into the housing 614.

Between the lead-in portion 637 and the third bore 634 is formed aradial wall 638 against which acts as an inward stop for the retainer641 of FIG. 38. This relationship prevents excessive insertion of themale conduit 612 into the female housing 614.

A radial wall 639 is formed between the third bore 634 and the fourthbore 636. The radial wall 639 functions in engagement of the maleconduit 612 in the female housing 614, as will be described below. Alead-in chamfer 640 is formed at the outermost end of the female housing614.

FIG. 41 illustrates a side view of the operative retaining element ofthe present invention. With reference then to both FIGS. 38 and 41, aresilient retainer element 641 is shown in position between the maleconduit 612 and the female housing 614 in FIG. 38 and in isolation inFIG. 41. In the embodiment illustrated in these figures, the retainerelement 641 is preferably a one-piece construction that is manufacturedfrom a metallic material. The retainer element 641 includes a collar642, a body element 643, at least one or more deflectable fingers 645,and at least one or more legs 646.

The collar 642 is positioned adjacent the wall 621 of the collar 620 andhas an aperture 644 (shown in FIGS. 39, 40, 42, and 43) for providingpassage of the conduit 612 through the retainer element 641. Each of thelegs 646 projects from the body element 643 and bends at an arc at area648 forming a backstop for locking engagement with the radial wall 639.The arcuate area 648, in turn, connects a retaining portion 649 whichbends, partially doubling back on itself, forming a flange 650. When themale conduit 612 is locked into position in the female housing 614, theflange 650 resiliently engages a surface 656 formed on the conduitflange 618 of the male conduit.

As now may be clearly understood, The lead-in chamfer 640 serves to leadin the retainer 641 whereby the retainer 641 is structured such thatupon insertion of the male conduit 612 into the female housing 614, thelegs 646 are reduced by the chamfer 640 as the retainer 641 is squeezedtoward the control axis of the conduit 612. A cut out area 647 is shownbetween adjacent legs 646 to define the legs 646 as springs that mustbend in response to the entry of the male conduit 612 (and male conduitflange 618 into female 614) sufficiently to reduce the bending force onarea 648 and prevent the breaking away of retaining portion 649 from thelegs 646.

As noted, the backstop 648 abuts against the radial wall 639 forsecuring the retainer element 641 in the housing 614. Simultaneously,and in the engaged position, the flange 650 biases on the conduit flange618 securing the conduit 612 in the retainer element 641.

Referring to FIGS. 39 and 43, perspective views of the retainer element641 are illustrated. In FIG. 38 the retainer element 641 is shown in itsentirety, while in FIG. 43 it is only partially shown. As illustrated, amember 651 interconnects a pair of substantially parallel legs 646. Thefingers 645 project from the legs 646. The fingers 645 provide a meansfor grasping and removing the retainer element 641 from the femalehousing 614. The fingers 645 are generally bent in accordance withconventional sheet metal practice. While a single finger 645 isillustrated for each substantially parallel pair of legs 646, it ispossible that each leg 646 would have its own finger.

FIG. 40 is an end view of the retainer element 641 and illustrates theposition of the collar 642 with respect to the body 643, one of the legs646, and the fingers 645. This view also illustrates the inwardly-facingposition of the retaining portion 649 and the position of the flanges650 with respect to the aperture 644.

FIG. 42 is an expanded plan view showing approximately half of theretainer element 651 prior to its being bent into the shape illustratedin the other figures. As noted, the retainer element 641 is preferablyformed from a metallic material, and the form illustrated in FIG. 42shows how the element 641 appears after stamping but before beingselectively bent to assume the functional retainer shape shown in theother figures.

FIG. 44 is a close-up, detailed side elevational view in partial crosssection of a portion of the retainer element 641 in its locking andengaged position between the male conduit 612 and the female housing614. This detailed view more clearly discloses the advantages of thepresent design over known retainers.

Specifically, the present design provides at least two significantadvantages over the prior art. One advantage represents an improvementin wear characteristics, while the other advantage represents animprovement in locking characteristics.

With respect to the first advantage, the sharply bent connection betweenthe outer leg (part of the leg 646 in the illustrated invention) and theinner leg (retaining portion 649 in the illustrated invention). Duringformation, the sharp bending of the metal 648 connecting the inner andouter legs stresses the material such that the integrity of the metaldefining the bend itself is significantly compromised. This isparticularly a problem on repeated insertion and removal of the maleconduit and the female housing, where such repeated use often results infracturing of the metal at the bend 648, and subsequent failure of theconnection.

The illustrated design of the present invention overcomes thisdifficulty by minimally stressing the metal at the bend that defines thearcuate area 648. Because the design represents a gently curving bend648, and because of the spring arms 646, the stress is reduced on thenarrow area of the metal form, and the stress is equally distributedover a wide area, thus minimizing the likelihood of fracture afterrepeated connection and disconnection.

With respect to the second advantage, the force on the expanded diameter618 of the male conduit 612 is also better distributed by the ends 650of retainer legs 649. Shown in FIG. 41 are stiffeners 649' for theretainer arms 649. The stiffeners 649' are shown only part way on thestraight section of arms 649, but they may be over the full extent ofarms 649 between where the bending takes place for areas 650 and 648.

FIG. 45 illustrates a bend (generally illustrated as 670) between aninner leg 672 and an outer leg 674 that is typical of the prior art. Theouter leg 674 is stiff and the inner leg 672 combines the requiredbending and the resistance to pull-out of the male from the female.Constructions such as this cannot have the resistance to pull apart thatthe stiffer construction that elements 649 and 649' confer to theretainer 641.

FIG. 46 shows a Gauss curve that represents the fit and tolerances to beexpected when a retainer is constructed as shown in FIG. 47. In FIG. 47,the retainer arm 680 has a bend 682 that is between arm 680 and pad 84.FIG. 47 is drawn in a position where the tip 686 of the pad 684 ispassing the forces that would separate the male conduit from the femalehousing. This corresponds to the left half of the Gauss curve of FIG.46. There is a lever arm, the distance down tab 684 from tip 686 to bend682, that Increases the bending force on area 682 as a result of theforce that is being transmitted to the female housing by the tip of thepad 686. This means that in FIG. 46, those tolerance situations on theleft side of the Gauss curve are a worse force on bend 682, andtolerances that cause the force transmitted from arm 680 to betransmitted to the female housing by the bend 682 are as good as theembodiment of retainer 641 that is shown, all things being equal (andthey can be equal). Accordingly, FIG. 47 type construction with the padscan only be as good only 50 percent of the time.

While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be appreciated that the invention issusceptible to modification, variation and change without departing fromthe proper scope and fair meaning of the accompanying claims.

I claim:
 1. A swivelable quick-connect coupling for connecting a tubeend and a fluid passage for conducting fluids between the tube and thepassage, the coupling comprising:an outwardly projecting annularenlargement provided at a distance from the tube end, said enlargementhaving an outwardly-facing blocking wall portion formed thereon; acoupling housing fluidly associated with the fluid passage, saidcoupling housing having a first end, said coupling housing furtherhaving formed therein a bore for at least partially receiving the tubeend, said bore having a first portion with a relatively large diameter,said first portion being adjacent said first end of said housing, asecond portion with a relatively small diameter, and a third portionlocated between said first portion and said second portion and having adiameter smaller than the diameter of said first portion and larger thanthe diameter of said second portion, said coupling housing furtherincluding an inwardly-extending flange having an inner wall; a retainerelement including a pair of opposing and radially displaceable membersand a pair of opposing manually engageable and radially deformableelements, said radially displaceable members having formed thereon aninner radial wall and an outer radial wall, said inner radial wall beingcooperable with said outwardly-facing blocking wall portion of the tubeend and said outer radial wall being cooperable with said inner wall ofsaid inwardly-extending flange for releasably securing the tube endwithin the coupling whereby the tube end is in fluid communication withthe fluid passage; and interconnecting portions disposed around theouter surface of the tube end and integrally connected to saiddisplaceable members and said deformable elements, such that radiallyinwardly directed compressive movement of said deformable elementsresults in radially outward movement of said displaceable members whichin turn causes said radially inner walls on said displaceable members tomove radially out of engagement with said blocking wall portion on thetube end, whereby the tube end may be withdrawn from said housing. 2.The swivelable quick-connect coupling of claim 1, wherein said retainerelement is made of a resilient material.
 3. The swivelable quick-connectcoupling of claim 1, including an elastomeric ring located within saidbore to form a seal between the tube end and said coupling housing. 4.The swivelable quick-connect coupling of claim 1, wherein the tube endincludes an outer diameter and wherein said displaceable members includeconverging ends which substantially correspond to said outer diameter ofthe tube end.
 5. The swivelable quick-connect coupling of claim 1,wherein said retainer element is coupled to said housing to form ahousing assembly and the tube end is insertable through said retainerelement for connection to said housing assembly.
 6. The swivelablequick-connect coupling of claim 5, wherein said retainer element isretained substantially within said coupling housing through cooperationbetween said outer radial wall and said inner wall of saidinwardly-extending flange.
 7. The swivelable quick-connect coupling ofclaim 1, wherein said displaceable members are forced to move apart uponinsertion of the tube end through said retainer element into saidhousing.
 8. The swivelable quick-connect coupling of claim 1, whereinsaid retainer element further includes a flexible portion connectingsaid deformable elements and said displaceable members.
 9. Theswivelable quick-connect coupling of claim 1, wherein said inner wall ofsaid inwardly-extending flange defines a substantially flat surface. 10.The swivelable quick-connect coupling of claim 1, wherein saiddisplaceable members and said deformable elements are connected byrecessed regions.
 11. The swivelable quick-connect coupling of claim 9,wherein said recessed regions cooperate with said housing to maintainthe position of said retainer element within said housing.
 12. Theswivelable quick-connect coupling of claim 1, wherein each of saiddeformable elements includes an outer surface upon which pressure isapplied for effecting compressive movement.
 13. The swivelablequick-connect coupling of claim 1, wherein said annular enlargementincludes an inwardly-facing blocking wall portion and said bore of saidhousing includes an interior radial wall, said inwardly-facing blockingwall portion and said interior radial wall being cooperable uponinsertion of the tube end into said housing.
 14. The swivelablequick-connect coupling of claim 1, wherein said retainer element is ofone-piece construction.
 15. The swivelable quick-connect coupling ofclaim 1, wherein said deformable elements and said displaceable membersare interconnected by resilient members to define an array in which saiddeformable elements are substantially equally spaced apart and saiddisplaceable members are substantially equally spaced apart.
 16. Theswivelable quick-connect coupling of claim 1, wherein said retainerelement includes a central, tube-passing aperture.
 17. The swivelablequick-connect coupling of claim 1, wherein said retainer element issubstantially centrally positionable within said coupling housing.
 18. Aswivelable quick-connect coupling for connecting a tube and a fluidpassage for conducting fluids between the tube and the passage, thecoupling comprising:an outwardly-projecting annular enlargement providedat a distance from the tube end, said enlargement having anoutwardly-facing blocking wall portion formed thereon; a couplinghousing fluidly associated with the fluid passage, said coupling housinghaving a first end, said coupling housing having formed therein a borefor at least partially receiving the tube end, said bore having a firstportion with a relatively large diameter, said first portion beingadjacent said first end of said housing, a second portion with arelatively small diameter, and a third portion located between saidfirst portion and said second portion and having a diameter smaller thanthe diameter of said first portion and larger than the diameter of saidsecond portion, said coupling housing including an inwardly-extendingflange having an inner wall which defines a substantially flat surface,said annular enlargement including an inwardly-facing blocking wallportion, said bore of said housing including an interior radial wall,said inwardly-facing blocking wall portion and said interior radial wallbeing cooperable upon insertion of the tube end into said housing; anelastomeric ring located within said bore to form a seal between thetube end and said coupling housing; a one-piece retainer elementsubstantially centrally positionable within said housing, said retainerelement including a central, tube-passing aperture, a pair of opposingand radially displaceable members and a pair of opposing manuallyengageable and radially deformable elements, said displaceable membersand said deformable elements being connected by flexible portions andrecessed regions, said deformable elements, said displaceable members,said flexible portions and said recessed regions defining an array inwhich said deformable elements are substantially equally spaced apartand said displaceable members are substantially equally spaced apart,said recessed regions being cooperable with said housing to maintain theposition of said retainer element within said housing, said radiallydisplaceable members having formed thereon an inner radial wall and anouter radial wall, said inner radial wall being cooperable with saidoutwardly-facing blocking wall portion of the tube end and said outerradial wall being cooperable with said inner wall of saidinwardly-extending flange for releasably securing the tube end withinthe coupling whereby the tube end is in fluid communication with thefluid passage, the tube end including an outer diameter and wherein saiddisplaceable members include converging ends which substantiallycorrespond to said outer diameter of the tube end, said retainer elementbeing retained substantially within said coupling housing throughcooperation between said outer radial wall and said inner wall of saidinwardly-extending flange, each of said deformable elements including anouter surface upon which pressure is applied for effecting compressivemovement said outer surface of each of said deformable elements; andinterconnecting portions disposed around the outer surface of the tubeend and integrally connected to said displaceable members and saiddeformable elements such that radially inwardly directed compressivemovement of said deformable elements results in radially outwardmovement of said displaceable members which in turn causes said radiallyinner walls on said displaceable members to move radially out ofengagement with said blocking wall portion on the tube end, whereby thetube end may be withdrawn from said housing.